What first car should I buy?

Jacob's son is looking to pin down a first car that doesn't scream 'cheap'

STARTING PRICE

$36,990

BASIC SPEC

What first car should I buy?

14 Aug 2017Cameron McGavin

The dilemma

Jacob is helping his son buy his first car. His son, not unexpectedly, doesn’t want a car that screams ‘cheap first car’ and has been looking at old BMW 3-Series and other luxury-badged metal. Jacob would prefer he buy something newer and more reliable, even if it’s not as cool. After a long battle of wits Subaru’s fourth-generation Liberty 2.5i seems to be one car they’re both happy with. Are they on the right track?

The budget

$7500 to $10,000

The shortlist

Kudos to Jacob and his son because the fourth-gen Liberty is a great compromise for this kind of dilemma.

Its grown-up character and sweet driving credentials, plus some positive rub-off from its WRX sibling and other Subarus, make it infinitely more appealing than a sensible small hatch. Its solid safety and reliability, meanwhile, mean mum and dad don’t have to fret about the safety of their cherished loved one.

One can’t ignore, however, that the mid-sized segment that played host to this particular Liberty also had some other very talented contenders in its midst. So while the Subaru gets a big tick, we wouldn’t be putting it up on a pedestal, unopposed, quite yet.

It’s on the thrifty side for a mid-sizer of this vintage, known for providing trouble-free service and every model has the desirable safety combination of stability control and head-protecting curtain airbags.

But a preference for costlier 95RON premium unleaded means its hip-pocket advantage over thirstier rivals isn’t as big as it could be. The complexity of its excellent engine means the consequences of buying one with a poor service record – or not following it religiously – are potentially painful.

An unremarkable back seat and boot, and the lack of hatch and wagon options, mean it’s not the most practical mid-sizer you could buy.

Big-booted and very user-friendly hatch/wagon variants make this Mazda a more practical, versatile beast than a Euro.

It’s slickly presented, has curtain airbags in its safety artillery and, with its responsive, sporty handling, is an entertaining, enriching drive.

But its 2.3-litre petrol engine isn’t quite as zesty as its rival’s and, while it drinks cheaper regular unleaded, it chews through more of it.

It was never the easiest mid-sizer of its era on the senses and, significantly in this context, was never offered with stability control.

While that issue can be solved by targeting a second-generation 6 (2008-13) – a much-improved package that’s probably also better than its older alternatives here – there aren’t a lot kicking around this budget range and they tend to be scrappier than their first-gen counterparts.

This Subaru, like the Honda and Mazda, is a smartly presented, high-quality example of the early-to-mid noughties mid-sized breed.

It’s a polished drive, with this group’s only all-wheel-drive endowing it with a traction advantage on slippery surfaces and wonderfully poised, surefooted balance.

It can be had with a practical wagon body and its safety artillery includes both stability and curtain bags (initially only on ‘Premium’ models, later across the range).

But this generation of Liberty is notably tight in the back. Its 2.5-litre petrol engine isn’t the strongest performer of its ilk or, partly owing to AWD drag, the most frugal. Much like the Honda, its complex mechanicals need religious upkeep to deliver the trouble-free service they’re renowned for.

The easy strategy in this battle, and probably the best one in the used-car realm, would be to buy the car in the best condition, regardless of what badge it wears.

All things being equal, it’s a tough decision but the Mazda’s lack of stability control, in this scenario at least, is probably enough to consign it to last place.

Choosing between the others might well come down to something as simple as body shape. If a sedan is sufficient, the Honda – owing to a superior engine and fewer hurdles for those who want stability control and curtain bags – has a marginal but clear advantage. If the added practicality of a wagon is desirable, the Subaru inevitably wins.

* Values are estimates provided by Redbook based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.

Links contained in this article

2008 Subaru Liberty

Drive Comments

Frigit | 14 Aug 2017 01:33

WillyFuiFui | 14 Aug 2017 02:00

Buy an old trusty Commie SV6.. And if you are lucky you might be able to buy one that has the optional left and Right indicators, not many came with this option.

ibstltr | 14 Aug 2017 03:05

Willy, don't forget the one working brake light. Holden just can't seem to get the Commodore's to have two working brake lights (excluding the one in the spoiler that blocks rear visibility).
The Subaru 2.5 is pretty poor on fuel and the earlier EJ25's have a reputation for blowing HG's but I think that was resolved around 2005. I'd struggle to recommend the EJ20 for a vehicle the weight of the Liberty, even the Forester by that time was pretty portly.
There are some nice JDM Skyline's (now sold as Infiniti's here) kicking around for similar money, and are a much better drive than the Honda/Mazda options. Parts aren't difficult to obtain and for a P-plater they are safer and more reliable. In 10 years time part supply could be a challenge, but it's unlikely a P-plater will have the car that long anyway...

Mondo | 14 Aug 2017 07:24

All three shortlisted cars are affected by the Takata airbag recall. Considering the purchase is for a P-plater, this is a new level of negligence from Drive!

Ftumpch | 14 Aug 2017 07:53

Uh oh, yep well the Subaru wins if you don't mind looking like a bogan... and it might also start you off on a trajectory of buying mediocre and unremarkable cars for the rest of your life. Buy the car in the best condition, regardless of what badge it wears is a truly frightening proposition.
I'd suggest a pre-2009 sporty edition Renault Megane, any sort of Alfa (147GTA if you can find one), a Mini, Volvo C30, or you might even get a Benz CLK in this price range. The Falcon BA/BF I remember being a great little tool in its day but I'm not sure how well they've aged... but regardless, driving can either be a chore or a momentary escape from the mundane. Which would you rather?

warrewn eden park | 14 Aug 2017 07:56

Buy a VZ Holden Adventra V6. They're AWD, have stability control, they're versatile with heaps of room, LX models are loaded with options and parts are cheap on top of a decent one being only 4 to 7k to buy. Parts and reliability are a big issue with all these Jap cars being pumped up on here.

yarpos | 15 Aug 2017 00:07

Good grief, all a bit precious isnt it. The little darling doesnt want a car that screams cheap first car. Needs to get a grip I think and be happy to have some wheels. Just buy as much secondary safety as the budget can afford, because they are at their greatest risk of accident by mis judging through lack of experience or just having ambition overcome ability.